How DIY Repair and Right-to-Repair Laws Are Shaping the Spare Parts Industry. (Published: November 2024)
Today, fixing a broken washing machine no longer requires an expensive service call or buying a new one. The DIY repair movement, supported by new Right-to-Repair laws, is transforming the appliance repair industry and creating new opportunities for spare parts distributors. This shift is creating exciting opportunities in the home appliance spare parts industry and some new challenges.
Why Choose DIY Repair?
Several key reasons are driving people to fix appliances themselves:
- Saving Money: Appliance repairs can be expensive. DIY repairs offer a cheaper option, especially in today’s uncertain economy.
- Helping the Environment: Throwing away a broken appliance adds to our waste problem. Fixing it gives the appliance a second life and reduces waste.
- Feeling of Achievement: Fixing something yourself feels good. DIY repair puts power back in the hands of the people.
Right-to-Repair Laws
The Right-to-Repair movement, which began gaining momentum in the early 2010s, is growing, and new laws are emerging in different regions:
- United States: In 2023, New York passed a comprehensive Right-to-Repair law, with California following suit in 2024. These laws require manufacturers to make tools, parts, and manuals available to consumers and independent repair shops.
- France: In 2022, France introduced regulations that require manufacturers to provide information on repairability and spare parts availability, empowering consumers to make informed choices.
- Germany: In 2023, Germany supported the Right-to-Repair movement by pushing for regulations that encourage longer product lifespans and greater availability of spare parts.
- Australia: In 2024, Australia took steps toward supporting Right-to-Repair, with initiatives aimed at making spare parts more accessible and encouraging manufacturers to provide repair information.
These laws aim to make it easier for people and repair shops to get the parts, tools, and information needed to fix appliances, opening up repair options and encouraging competition.
What This Means for the Spare Parts Industry
This DIY trend brings new opportunities for the spare parts industry:
- More Demand: As more people repair their appliances, the need for spare parts will grow. The market size for home appliances is expected to grow by approximately 4.8% from 2024 to 2029. As the market grows, the need for repairs will likely increase, driving further demand for spare parts.
- Online Shopping: E-commerce platforms that specialize in appliance parts will play a big role in helping people find the parts they need. The growth of e-commerce may also be attributed to changes in consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the shift towards online shopping. Both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) distributors may see business growth as more consumers turn to online platforms for spare parts.
- Focus on Quality and Transparency: To build trust, suppliers must provide genuine components or reliable compatible alternatives while maintaining transparency. Offering clear options, whether high-quality parts or cheaper alternatives, along with excellent customer service, is key to standing out.
While these opportunities create significant potential for growth, they also bring challenges that distributors need to address to remain competitive.
Challenges Ahead
The DIY repair trend also brings some challenges for the industry:
- Competing with Manufacturers: Manufacturers like Whirlpool, GE Appliances, Frigidaire, Samsung, LG, and Bosch already have comprehensive online shops where they sell parts directly to consumers, creating significant competition for independent parts suppliers.
- Ensuring Quality: With the risk of counterfeit parts and some players using market confusion, suppliers must be transparent and provide genuine components or reliable compatible alternatives.
- Keeping Up with Demand: The industry must adapt to the rising demand and ensure quick delivery of parts.
The Future of Appliance Repair
This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for B2B distributors. On the positive side, there is growing demand for spare parts and the potential for expansion through Right-to-Repair laws and partnerships with e-commerce platforms. However, distributors must address challenges like dependence on external trends, competition from manufacturers, and counterfeit products that can damage trust.The DIY repair movement and Right-to-Repair laws are reshaping the appliance repair landscape. To succeed in this changing landscape, distributors should focus on embracing e-commerce, ensuring product quality, and building trust with their customers. They must adapt by offering solutions such as:
- Using Technology: Online tools and AI can help make DIY repairs easier.
- Focusing on Sustainability: Offering reconditioned parts, particularly for expensive components like electronic boards where it makes economic sense, and promoting eco-friendly practices can support sustainability.
- Building Trust: Providing clear information and great customer service will help suppliers stand out in the market.
For spare parts distributors, the growing DIY and Right-to-Repair movement represents a major opportunity. By providing the right components, ensuring transparency, and maintaining high quality standards, you can position your business as a key player in this evolving market. Meeting the needs of an increasingly empowered consumer base will require adaptability, reliability, and a focus on excellent service.